192 



M A M M A L I A — U N C E. 



ings. These consist of numerous rows of large rose-like spots, passing 

 along his sides, each formed of the confluence of several smaller black spots 

 into an irregular circle enclosing a fawn colored centre, upon a general 

 ground color of light yellow. On his head, neck, and limbs, and the central 

 line of his back, the spots run into one another so completely, as to form 

 fuU patches of smaller size than the open roses, and without central yellow. 

 The under parts of his body, as is usual in most quadrupeds, become gradu- 

 ally of a lighter hue, the throat, chest, and abdomen being of a pure and 

 delicate white. His tail is equal in length to the entire body, excluding the 

 head ; and is marked by a continuation of the open roses of the sides, which 

 become, towards its extremity, separated in such a manner as to surround 

 the upper surface with partial rings of black alternating with white. The 

 whiskers are long and white, and implanted in a series of black lines which 

 traverse his lips." 



In captivity, the leopard has been sometimes brought to a considerable 

 degree of tameness. It is not, however, very safe to trust them ; for their 

 original nature is now and then unexpectedly displayed. The female leopard 

 in the Tower is extremely tame, suffers herself to be patted by the keeper, 

 and licks his hands. She has a curious propensity to destroy such articles 

 of dress as she can seize ; and has torn to pieces hundreds of parasols, 

 umbrellas, muffs, and hats, which the owners unwarily suffered to come 

 within reach of her sudden and agile spring. 



THE CHETAH, OR OUNCE. i 



This animal, which is called the youze in Persia, the chetah in India, and 

 to which Pennant gave the name of the hunting leopard, is a native of Africa 



> Felis uncia, Gmehn. 



